Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a display panel disposed in a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region located between the first and second non-folding regions. The display device further includes first and second buffer members disposed on one surface of the display panel in the first and second non-folding regions, respectively, and a metal layer disposed in the first non-folding region, the second non-folding region, and the folding region on one surface of the first buffer member and one surface of the second buffer member. The display device further includes a fingerprint sensor disposed on the metal layer. The first and second buffer members are separated with the folding region therebetween. The metal layer includes first, second, and third metal portions located in the first non-folding region, the second non-folding region, and the folding region, respectively. The fingerprint sensor is attached to the third metal portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/858,076 filed on Apr. 24, 2020, which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No.10-2019-0080852, filed on Jul. 4, 2019 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a display device, and moreparticularly, to a display device which is switchable between a foldedstate and an unfolded state.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

A display device is a device for displaying an image, and includes adisplay panel such as, for example, an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display panel or a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

A mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, includes a displaydevice for providing an image to a user. As the size of mobileelectronic devices increases, a foldable display device or a bendabledisplay device having a structure that can be folded and unfolded toprovide a larger screen only at the time of use has been developed.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a displaydevice in which deformation due to pressure occurring when pressing afingerprint sensor in a folding region of the display device isimproved.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a display device includes adisplay panel disposed in a first non-folding region, a secondnon-folding region, and a folding region, in which the folding region isbetween the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region.The display device further includes a first buffer member disposed onone surface of the display panel in the first non-folding region, asecond buffer member disposed on the one surface of the display panel inthe second non-folding region, and a metal layer disposed in the firstnon-folding region, the second non-folding region, and the foldingregion on one surface of the first buffer member and one surface of thesecond buffer member. The display device further includes a fingerprintsensor disposed on the metal layer. The first buffer member and thesecond buffer member are separated from each other with the foldingregion therebetween. The metal layer includes a first metal portionlocated in the first non-folding region, a second metal portion locatedin the second non-folding region, and a third metal portion located inthe folding region. The fingerprint sensor is attached to the thirdmetal portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device further includes a firstsupport member disposed on the one surface of the display panel in thefirst non-folding region, and a second support member disposed on theone surface of the display panel in the second non-folding region. Thefirst support member is disposed between the display panel and the firstbuffer member, and the second support member is disposed between thedisplay panel and the second buffer member.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first support member and the secondsupport member are separated from each other with the folding regiontherebetween.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third metal portion is located closer tothe display panel as compared with the first metal portion and thesecond metal portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device further includes a lightblocking pattern disposed between the third metal portion and thedisplay panel in the folding region. The light blocking pattern includesan opaque material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the metal layer further includes a fourthmetal portion connecting the third metal portion and the first metalportion, and a fifth metal portion connecting the third metal portionand the second metal portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth metal portion is in contact withthe first buffer member, and the fifth metal portion is in contact withthe second buffer member.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third metal portion extends to aboundary between the folding region and the first non-folding region anda boundary between the folding region and the second non-folding region.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is spaced apart fromthe light blocking pattern with the third metal portion therebetween.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device further includes a firstadhesive member disposed between the light blocking pattern and thethird metal portion, a second adhesive member disposed between the firstsupport member and the first buffer member, and a third adhesive memberdisposed between the second support member and the second buffer member.The first adhesive member has a higher strength than each of the secondadhesive member and the third adhesive member.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is disposed betweenthe third metal portion and the light blocking pattern.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light blocking pattern includes anopening in a region overlapping the third metal portion, and the thirdmetal portion is disposed in the opening of the light blocking pattern.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first non-folding region and the secondnon-folding region overlap each other in a thickness direction when thefolding region is folded.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device further includes a windowdisposed on another surface of the display panel which opposes the onesurface of the display panel, and an upper functional member disposedbetween the display panel and the window. The upper functional memberincludes at least one of a polarization layer, a touch sensing layer,and an anti-reflective layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is an ultrasonicfingerprint sensor or an optical fingerprint sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a displaydevice includes a display panel disposed in a first non-folding region,a second non-folding region, and a folding region, in which the foldingregion is between the first non-folding region and the secondnon-folding region. The display device further includes a first buffermember disposed on one surface of the display panel and in the firstnon-folding region, and a second buffer member disposed on the onesurface of the display panel and in the second non-folding region. Thedisplay device further includes a first metal layer overlapping thefirst buffer member and spaced apart from the display panel with thefirst buffer member therebetween, and a second metal layer overlappingthe second buffer member and spaced apart from the display panel withthe second buffer member therebetween. The display device furtherincludes a metal sheet including a first metal sheet portion located inthe first non-folding region, a second metal sheet portion located inthe second non-folding region, and a third metal sheet portion locatedin the folding region. The display device further includes a fingerprintsensor attached to the third metal sheet portion of the metal sheet. Thefirst buffer member and the second buffer member are separated from eachother with the folding region therebetween. The first metal layer andthe second metal layer are separated from each other with the foldingregion therebetween.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third metal sheet portion is locatedcloser to the display panel as compared with the first metal sheetportion and the second metal sheet portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device further includes a lightblocking pattern disposed between the third metal sheet portion and thedisplay panel in the folding region. The light blocking pattern includesan opaque material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the metal sheet further includes a fourthmetal sheet portion connecting the third metal sheet portion and thefirst metal sheet portion, and a fifth metal sheet portion connectingthe third metal sheet portion and the second metal sheet portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first metal sheet portion is attached tothe first metal layer, the second metal sheet portion is attached to thesecond metal layer, and the third metal sheet portion is attached to thelight blocking pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present invention willbecome more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodimentsthereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-IF of FIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 2 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 2 according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device in afolded state according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a case of pressing afingerprint sensor in a folded state of the display device according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Likereference numerals may refer to like elements throughout theaccompanying drawings.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as beingrelated to another element such as being “coupled” or “connected” toanother element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the otherelement, or intervening elements may be present therebetween. Otherexpressions that explain the relationship between elements, such as, forexample, “between” or “adjacent to,” should be construed in the sameway.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

As used herein, “a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote alimitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singularand plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example,“an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to beconstrued as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or“top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the figures.

It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in addition to the orientationdepicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of thefigures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” sideof other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the otherelements. The exemplary term “lower,” can therefore, encompasses both anorientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on the particularorientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. Theexemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both anorientation of above and below.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the statedvalue and means within an acceptable range of deviation for theparticular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art,considering the measurement in question and the error associated withmeasurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of themeasurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or morestandard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10% or 5% of the stated value.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lineII-II′ of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is anenlarged view of area A of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 2 according to an exemplaryembodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a displaydevice in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a display device 1 may be a flexible displaydevice. As used herein, the term “foldable” may refer to a flexiblestate, and includes both a bendable state and a rollable state.Furthermore, the term “folding” should be interpreted as including both“partially” folding, “entirely” folded, “in” folding, and “out” folding.

The display device 1 may include a folding axis AXIS_F that traversesthe upper and lower sides of the display device in a plan view. Thedisplay device may be folded based on the folding axis AXIS_F.

The display device 1 may have a substantially planar rectangular shape.The display device 1 may have a rectangular shape having verticallyplanar edges or a rectangular shape having rounded edges. The displaydevice 1 may include four edges LS1, LS2, SS1, and SS2. The displaydevice 1 may include long-side edges LS1 and LS2 and short-side edgesSS1 and SS2. For example, the long-side edges LS1 and LS2 may extend ina first direction DR1, and the short-side edges SS1 and SS2 may extendin a second direction DR2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the folding axis AXIS_F may extend in a directiontraversing the long-side edges LS1 and LS2, for example, in the seconddirection DR2. In this case, the long-side edges LS1 and LS2 of thedisplay device 1 may be folded. Unlike the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the folding axisAXIS_F may extend to traverse the short-side edges SS1 and SS2. In thiscase, the short-side edges SS1 and SS2 of the display device 1 may befolded. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the presentinvention will be primarily described based on a case in which thefolding axis AXIS_F extends to traverse the long-side edges LS1 and LS2.The folding axis AXIS_F may traverse the center portion of each of thelong-side edges LS1 and LS2. However, the present invention is notlimited thereto.

As used herein, the terms “upper portion” and “upper surface” in thethickness direction refer to a display direction, and the terms “lowerportion” and “lower surface” refer to a direction opposite to thedisplay direction, unless otherwise defined. In addition, the terms“upper”, “lower”, “left”, and “right” in the plan view representdirections when viewed from the top based on the display surface at acorrect position.

The display device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-displayarea NA disposed around the display area DA. The display area DA is anarea in which an image is displayed, and the non-display area NA is anarea in which an image is not displayed. The non-display area NA maycorrespond to a bezel of the display device 1. The display area DA maybe located at the center of the display device 1. In a state in whichthe display device 1 is folded, in the display area DA, regions dividedby the folding axis AXIS_F may overlap each other, and in a state inwhich the display device 1 is unfolded, in the display area DA, an imagemay be displayed in a state in which the respective regions areunfolded.

A groove (for example, a notch) recessed downward/upward on the plane isformed in a region adjacent to the first long-side edge LS1 and secondlong-side edge LS2 of the display device 1, each meeting the foldingaxis AXIS_F, and a hinge member utilized when switching between a foldedstate and an unfolded state may be coupled to the recessed portion.However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 2, the display device 1 may be divided into a foldingregion FR and non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 based on the foldingaxis AXIS_F.

For example, the display device 1 may include a folding region FRlocated at the center of the display device and including the foldingaxis AXIS_F, and non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 spaced apart fromeach other with the folding region therebetween.

The folding region FR is a region in which the display device 1 iscapable of being folded or bent with a predetermined curvature in thefolding direction, and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2, unlike thefolding region FR, are regions in which the display device 1 is notcapable of being folded or bent. Each of the non-folding regions NFR1and NFR2 may be a flat region located on the same plane, or may be apartially bent region.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 1 may include a plurality oflaminated members. For example, the display device 1 may include adisplay panel 200, an upper functional layer 300 disposed on the displaypanel 200, and a window 400 disposed on the upper functional layer 300.

The display panel 200, the upper functional member 300, and the window400 may be disposed in the first non-folding region NFR1, the secondnon-folding region NFR2, and the folding region FR.

The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may furtherinclude other components disposed under the display panel 200. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, the display device 1 may further includesupport members 110 and 120 disposed under the display panel 200, buffermembers 140 and 150 disposed under the support members 110 and 120, ametal layer 170 disposed under the buffer members 140 and 150, and alight blocking pattern 130 disposed between the first support member 110and the second support member 120. The buffer members 140 and 150 may bespaced apart from the display panel 200 with the support members 110 and120 interposed therebetween, respectively. For example, the first buffermember 140 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) ofthe display panel 200 in the first non-folding region NFR1 with thefirst support member 110 interposed therebetween, and the second buffermember 150 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) ofthe display panel 200 in the second non-folding region NFR2 with thesecond support member 120 disposed therebetween. The display device 1according to an exemplary embodiment may further include a fingerprintsensor 500 disposed on the metal layer 170. The fingerprint sensor 500may overlap the folding region FR, and may be attached to the metallayer 170.

The first support member 110 may be disposed in the first non-foldingregion NFR1, and the second support member 120 may be disposed in thesecond non-folding region NFR2. In an exemplary embodiment, the supportmembers 110 and 120 are not disposed in the folding region FR. Forexample, the first support member 110 and the second support member 120may be spaced apart from each other with the folding region FRinterposed therebetween.

The inner side surfaces of the support members 110 and 120 may bealigned with a boundary between the first non-folding region NFR1 andthe folding region FR and a boundary between the second non-foldingregion NFR2 and the folding region FR, respectively. However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the inner side surfaces of the support members 110 and 120may be inside the boundary between the first non-folding region NFR1 andthe folding region FR and the boundary between the second non-foldingregion NFR2 and the folding region FR, respectively.

The first buffer member 140 may be disposed in the first non-foldingregion NFR1, and the second buffer member 150 may be disposed in thesecond non-folding region NFR2. In an exemplary embodiment, the buffermembers 140 and 150 are not disposed in the folding region. For example,the first buffer member 140 and the second buffer member 150 may bespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween.

The inner side surfaces of the buffer members 140 and 150 may be alignedwith a boundary between the first non-folding region NFR1 and thefolding region FR and a boundary between the second non-folding regionNFR2 and the folding region FR, respectively. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the inner side surfaces of the buffer members 140 and 150may be inside the boundary between the first non-folding region NFR1 andthe folding region FR and the boundary between the second non-foldingregion NFR2 and the folding region FR, respectively.

The inner side surfaces of the buffer members 140 and 150 may be alignedwith the inner side surfaces of the support members 110 and 120 in athickness direction. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto.

The light blocking pattern 130 may be disposed in a space between thesupport members 110 and 120. The light blocking pattern 130 may bedisposed in the folding region FR, and may be disposed on the bottomsurface (or one surface) of the display panel 200. The light blockingpattern 130 may completely overlap the folding region FR along the firstdirection DR1. For example, the width of the light blocking pattern 130in the first direction DR1 may be about equal to the width of thefolding region FR in the first direction DR1. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the light blocking pattern 130 may be located inside theboundary between the folding region FR and the first non-folding regionNFR1 and the boundary between the folding region FR and the secondnon-folding region NFR2, and may expose a portion of the folding regionadjacent to the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 on the bottom surface(or one surface) of the display panel 200.

The metal layer 170 may be disposed in the non-folding regions NFR1 andNFR2 and the folding region FR.

The display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may include aplurality of adhesive films AM1 to AM9 that attach the aforementionedmembers to each other therebetween.

The first adhesive film AM1 may be disposed between the metal layer 170and the first buffer member 140 to attach the metal layer 170 and thefirst buffer member 140 to each other. The second adhesive film AM2 maydisposed between the metal layer 170 and the second buffer member 150 toattach the metal layer 170 and the second buffer member 150 to eachother. The third adhesive film AM3 may be disposed between the firstbuffer member 140 and the first support member 110 to attach the firstbuffer member 140 and the first support member 110 to each other. Thefourth adhesive film AM4 may be disposed between the second buffermember 150 and the second support member 120 to attach the second buffermember 150 and the second support member 120 to each other. The fifthadhesive film AM5 may be disposed between the first support member 110and the display panel 200 to attach the first support member 110 and thedisplay panel 200 to each other. The sixth adhesive film AM6 may bedisposed between the second support member 120 and the display panel 200to attach the second support member 120 and the display panel 200 toeach other. The seventh adhesive film AM7 may be disposed between thedisplay panel 200 and the upper functional member 300 to attach thedisplay panel 200 and the upper functional member 300 to each other. Theeighth adhesive film AM8 may be disposed between the upper functionalmember 300 and the window 400 to attach the upper functional member 300and the window 400 to each other. The ninth adhesive film AM9 may bedisposed between the metal layer 170 and the light blocking pattern 130to attach the metal layer 170 and the light blocking pattern 130 to eachother.

The plurality of adhesive films AM1 to AM9 may be films having adhesiveproperties on both upper and lower surfaces thereof, and examplesthereof may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) film, an opticalclear adhesive (OCA) film, and an optical clear resin (OCR) film. Theadhesive film may include acrylic resin or silicone resin. The adhesivefilm may have an elongation rate of 100% to 1,000%.

The display panel 200 may display an image produced by an input datasignal. The display panel 200 may include, for example, an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD)panel, a plasma display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, anelectrowetting display panel, a quantum dot light emitting displaypanel, or a micro light emitting diode (LED) display panel. In exemplaryembodiments described herein, the display panel 200 is an OLED displaypanel.

The display panel 200 may include a flexible substrate including aflexible polymer material such as, for example, polyimide (PI).Accordingly, the display panel 200 may be bent, warped, folded, orrolled. The display panel 200 may have a shape similar to the planarshape of the display device 1.

A plurality of pixels may be arranged in the display area DA of thedisplay panel 200, and signal lines and drive circuits for applyingsignals to the respective pixels may be arranged in the non-display areaNA of the display panel 200. Further, the non-display area NA may beprovided with a black matrix having a shape of a rectangular frame in aplan view.

Each pixel may include a light emitting layer and a circuit layer forcontrolling the amount of light emitted from the light emitting layer.The circuit layer may include a plurality of signal lines, a pluralityof electrodes, and at least one transistor. In an exemplary embodiment,the light emitting layer may include an organic light emitting material.The light emitting layer may be encapsulated by an encapsulation film.The encapsulation film may encapsulate the light emitting layer toprevent moisture from entering the pixel. The encapsulation film may be,for example, an inorganic single-layer film or an inorganic multi-layerfilm, or may be a laminated film in which inorganic films and organicfilms are alternately laminated.

The upper functional member 300 may be disposed on the display panel200.

The upper functional member 300 may include at least one functionallayer. The functional layer may be a layer that performs, for example, atouch sensing function, a color filtering function, a color conversionfunction, a polarization function, an anti-reflection function, or abiometric information recognition function (for example, a fingerprintrecognition function). The upper functional member 300 may include, forexample, an anti-reflection member. The functional layer may be, forexample, a sheet layer, a film layer, a thin film layer, a coatinglayer, a panel, or a plate. The upper functional member 300 may beformed of one single functional layer. However, the present invention isnot limited thereto. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, and theupper functional member 300 may be a laminate of different functionallayers.

The window 400 may be disposed on the upper functional member 300.

The window 400 covers and protects the underlying members 100, 200, and300. The window 400 may be made of, for example, glass or quartz. Thethickness of the window 400 may be less than about 100 μm. When thethickness of the window 400 is small, stress is reduced at the time offolding, which may prevent or reduce the likelihood of deformation evenif a folded state and an unfolded state are repeated. In an exemplaryembodiment, the window may include chemically reinforced ultrathin glass(UTG).

The support members 110 and 120 may serve to support the display panel200. The support members 110 and 120 may include a metal material suchas, for example, stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum, or a polymermaterial such as, for example, polymethyl metacrylate (PMMA),polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylalcohol (PVA),acrylonitirle-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or polyethylene terephthalate(PET). For example, the support members 110 and 120 may include, but arenot limited to, polyimide (PI).

The buffer members 140 and 150 may prevent an impact applied from theoutside (for example, an impact applied in a downward direction of thedisplay device 1) from being transmitted to the display panel 200. Thebuffer members 140 and 150 may include a foam material such as, forexample, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicon(Si), or polydimethylacrylamide (PDMA).

In the display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, thesupport members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 arespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween, and thus, the display device 1 may be more easily foldedwith respect to the folding region FR. For example, the display device 1may have bending flexibility.

Further, as will be described later, in a comparative example, when auser's finger is in contact with the surface of the window 400 and thefingerprint sensor 500 is operated, the sensitivity of the fingerprintsensor 500 may be deteriorated due to the configuration between thefingerprint sensor 500 and the user's finger. In contrast, in anexemplary embodiment, due in part to the support members 110 and 120 andthe buffer members 140 and 150 being spaced apart from each other withthe folding region FR interposed therebetween, deterioration of thesensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may be prevented (e.g., due inpart to the configuration between the fingerprint sensor 500 and theuser's finger).

The light blocking pattern 130 may be disposed between the metal layer170 and the display panel 200, and may prevent the space (folding regionFR) formed between the support members 110 and 120 and the buffermembers 140 and 150 from being visually recognized by a user. For thispurpose, the light blocking pattern 130 may include an opaque material.For example, the opaque material may be an organic material including ablack pigment or dye, or a metal material. The light blocking pattern130 according to an exemplary embodiment may include an organic materialincluding a black pigment or a dye.

The metal layer 170 may include a metal having rigidity, and may supportthe bottom of the display device 1. The metal layer 170 may include atleast one of, for example, stainless steel and aluminum. However, thematerial of the metal layer 170 is not limited thereto.

The metal layer 170 may include a first metal portion 171 disposed inthe first non-folding region NFR1, a second metal portion 172 disposedin the second non-folding region NFR2, and a third metal portion 173disposed in the folding region FR. The first metal portion 171 mayoverlap the first non-folding region NFR1, and may have a shape in whicha part thereof extends to the folding region FR. The second metalportion 172 may overlap the second non-folding region NFR2, and may havea shape in which a part thereof extends to the folding region FR. Thethird metal portion 173 may be located at about the center of thefolding region FR, and the width thereof may be smaller than the widthof the folding region FR.

The first metal portion 171 may be attached to the first buffer member140 through the first adhesive film AM1. The second metal portion 172may be attached to the second buffer member 150 through the secondadhesive film AM2. The third metal portion 173 may be attached to thelight blocking pattern 130 through the ninth adhesive film AM9. Sincethe third metal portion 173 is disposed in the space between the supportmembers 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150, the third metalportion 173 may be located closer to the display panel 200 as comparedwith the adjacent first metal portion 171 and second metal portion 172.For example, a distance between the display panel 200 and the thirdmetal portion 173 may be less than a distance between the display panel200 and the first metal portion 171, and the distance between thedisplay panel 200 and the third metal portion 173 may also be less thana distance between the display panel 200 and the second metal portion172.

The metal layer 170 may further include a fourth metal portion 174connecting the first metal portion 171 and the third metal portion 173,and a fifth metal portion 175 connecting the second metal portion 172and the third metal portion 173. For example, the metal layer 170 may beintegrally formed over the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 and thefolding region FR.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first metal portion 171 to the third metalpotion 173 may have a linear cross-sectional shape along the firstdirection DR1, and the fourth metal portion 174 and the fifth metalportion 175 may have a linear cross-sectional shape along a directionbetween the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3. Forexample, the fourth metal portion 174 may extend from the first metalportion 171 to the third metal portion 173 in a right upward direction,and the fifth metal portion 175 may extend from the second metal portion172 to the third metal portion 173 in a left upward direction.

The fourth metal portion 174 and the fifth metal portion 175 may bespaced apart from the inner side surfaces of the adjacent buffer members140 and 150 and support members 110 and 120, respectively. For example,the fourth metal portion 174 and the fifth metal portion 175 may bespaced apart from the inner side surfaces of the adjacent buffer members140 and 150 and support members 110 and 120 with a predetermined spacetherebetween, respectively.

The fingerprint sensor 500 may be attached to the third metal portion173. The fingerprint sensor 500 according to an exemplary embodiment maybe disposed on the other surface of the third metal portion 173, whichis a surface opposite to one surface thereof facing the light blockingpattern 130, and may be attached to the other surface thereof.

The fingerprint sensor 500 according to an exemplary embodiment may bean ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. A first signal SG₁ transmitted fromthe fingerprint sensor 500 and a second signal SG₂ transmitted to thefingerprint sensor 500 may be, for example, ultrasonic signals.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the fingerprint sensor 500operates with a user's finger is placed in contact with the surface ofthe window 400 while applying a predetermined pressure to the surfacethereof, the first signal SG₁ transmitted from the fingerprint sensor500 in an upward direction (third direction DR3) is provided to theuser's fingerprint formed on the surface of the user's finger throughthe metal layer 170, the light blocking pattern 130, the display panel200, the upper functional member 300, and the window 400.

The fingerprint formed on the surface of the user's finger may include avalley portion VP spaced apart from the surface of the window 400 in athickness direction, and a ridge portion RP which is in contact with thesurface of the window 400.

The first signal SG₁ provided to the ridge portion RP of the fingerprintand the first signal SG₁ provided to the valley portion VP of thefingerprint are converted into second signals SG₂ including differentposition information (for example, distance information) when thesefirst signals SG₁ are reflected from the fingerprint (from the ridgeportion RP and valley portion VP), and then the converted second signalsSG₂ are transmitted to the fingerprint sensor 500 through the window400, the upper functional member 300, the display panel 200, the lightblocking pattern 130, and the metal layer 170.

In exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the first signalSG₁ and the second signal SG₂ may be an optical signal. For example, thefingerprint sensor 500 may be an optical fingerprint sensor.

Referring to a comparative example, when the fingerprint sensor 500 isdisposed in the folding region FR, and a user applies pressure forfingerprint recognition on the surface of the window 400 located in thefolding region FR, the folding region FR of the display device 1 may berecessed in the thickness direction by applying the pressure forfingerprint recognition because the support members 110 and 120 and thebuffer members 140 and 150 are not disposed in the folding region FR asdescribed above. Although the upper components disposed in the foldingregion FR of the display device 1 may be returned to their originalposition when the application of pressure by the user is completed, ifthis operation is repeated, the upper components disposed in the foldingregion FR of the display device 1 may have a shape indented in adownward direction even after the application of pressure by the user iscompleted. In this case, the appearance of the display device 1 may bepoor, or the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may bedeteriorated. For example, fingerprint sensing may be used toauthenticate a device such as a user's smartphone, and thus, may beperformed every time the user uses the device. As a result of thisrepeated application of pressure when the fingerprint sensor 500 isdisposed in the folding region FR, in a comparative example, theappearance of the display device 1 may be degraded in the folding regionFR (e.g., an indentation may be formed and remain in the folding regionFR).

However, in the display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment,since the metal layer 170 is disposed even in the folding region FR towhich the pressure for the user's fingerprint recognition is applied,the depression of the folding region FR of the display device 1 in thethickness direction may be reduced when the user applies the pressurefor fingerprint recognition to the surface of the window 400 located inthe folding region FR. Thus, according to exemplary embodiments,deterioration of the appearance of the display device 1 anddeterioration of the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may bereduced.

Hereinafter, a folding operation of the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 5, the folding region FR of the display device 1 maybe folded along a folding direction. For example, the window 400, theupper functional member 300, the display panel 200, and the third metalportion 173 of the metal layer 170 may be folded with a predeterminedcurvature in the folding region FR by an external force, and are notsubstantially folded in the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 byexternal force. For example, the window 400, the upper functional member300, the display panel 200, and the first metal portion 171 and secondmetal portion 172 of the metal layer 170 may be located on asubstantially flat surface forming the same plane in the non-foldingregions NFR1 and NFR2.

Moreover, like the window 400, the upper functional member 300, thedisplay panel 200, and the first metal portion 171 and second metalportion 172 of the metal layer 170 which are located in the non-foldingregions NFR1 and NFR2, the support members 110 and 120 which are locatedonly in the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 may also be located on aflat surface forming the same plane.

When an external force is applied to one side of the display device 1,for example, to the left side thereof in the folding direction (downwarddirection in FIG. 2), the folding region FR may be bent or folded, andthe first non-folding region NFR1 may overlap or face the secondnon-folding region NFR2 while moving or rotating along the foldingdirection.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a case of pressing afingerprint sensor in a folded state of the display device according toan exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 5, the fingerprint sensor 500 maybe located in the folding region FR adjacent to the non-folding regionsNFR1 and NFR2 in a plan view. For example, the user may apply pressureto the folding region FR adjacent to the planar non-folding regions NFR1and NFR2 to recognize a fingerprint.

As described above, the fingerprint sensor 500 may be an ultrasonicfingerprint sensor. The first signal SG₁ transmitted from thefingerprint sensor 500 and the second signal SG₂ transmitted to thefingerprint sensor 500 may be ultrasonic signals.

For example, when the fingerprint sensor 500 operates with a user'sfinger in contact with the surface of the window 400 while applying apredetermined pressure to the surface thereof, the first signal SG₁transmitted from the fingerprint sensor 500 in an upward direction(third direction DR3) is provided to the fingerprint formed on thesurface of the user's finger through the metal layer 170, the lightblocking pattern 130, the display panel 200, the upper functional member300, and the window 400.

The fingerprint formed on the surface of the user's finger may include avalley portion VP spaced apart from the surface of the window 400 in athickness direction, and a ridge portion RP being in contact with thesurface of the window 400.

The first signal SG₁ provided to the ridge portion RP of the fingerprintand the first signal SG₁ provided to the valley portion VP of thefingerprint are converted into second signals SG₂ including differentposition information (for example, distance information) when thesefirst signals SG1 are reflected from the fingerprint (from the ridgeportion RP and valley portion VP), and then the converted second signalsSG₂ are transmitted to the fingerprint sensor 500 through the window400, the upper functional member 300, the display panel 200, the lightblocking pattern 130, and the metal layer 170.

As described above, in the display device 1 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the support members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140and 150 are spaced apart from each other with the folding region FRinterposed therebetween, and thus, the display device 1 may be moreeasily folded with respect to the folding region FR. For example, thedisplay device 1 may have bending flexibility.

Further, in a comparative example, when a user's finger is in contactwith the surface of the window 400 and the fingerprint sensor 500 isoperated, the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may bedeteriorated due to the configuration between the fingerprint sensor 500and the user's finger. In contrast, in an exemplary embodiment, thesupport members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 arespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween, and thus, deterioration of the sensitivity of thefingerprint sensor 500 may be reduced due to the configuration betweenthe fingerprint sensor 500 and the user's finger.

As described above, in a comparative example, when the fingerprintsensor 500 is disposed in the folding region FR and a user applies apressure for fingerprint recognition to the surface of the window 400located in the folding region FR, the folding region FR of the displaydevice 1 may be recessed in the thickness direction by applying thepressure for fingerprint recognition because the support members 110 and120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 are not disposed in the foldingregion FR as described above. Although the upper components disposed inthe folding region FR of the display device 1 may be returned to theiroriginal position when the application of pressure by the user iscompleted, if this operation is repeated many times, which it often is,the upper components disposed in the folding region FR of the displaydevice 1 may have a shape indented in a downward direction even afterthe application of pressure by the user is completed. In this case, theappearance of the display device 1 may be poor, and/or the sensitivityof the fingerprint sensor 500 may be deteriorated.

However, in the display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment,since the metal layer 170 is disposed even in the folding region FR towhich the pressure for the user's fingerprint recognition is applied,the depression of the folding region FR of the display device 1 in thethickness direction may be reduced when the user applies the pressurefor fingerprint recognition to the surface of the window 400 located inthe folding region FR. Thus, deterioration of the appearance of thedisplay device 1 and deterioration of the sensitivity of the fingerprintsensor 500 may be reduced.

In the following description, for convenience of explanation, a furtherdescription of elements and aspects previously described may be omittedor simplified.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a display device 2 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment in that the fourth metal portion 174_1 and fifthmetal portion 175_1 of a metal layer 170_1 are in contact with the innerside surfaces of the buffer members 140 and 150, respectively.

For example, in the display device 2 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the fourth metal portion 174_1 and fifth metal portion 175_1of the metal layer 170_1 may be in contact with the inner side surfacesof the buffer members 140 and 150, respectively.

The third metal portion 173_1 may be substantially the same as the widthof the folding region FR in the first direction DR1. For example, thethird metal portion 173_1 may have a shape extending to the boundarybetween the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2.

The fourth and fifth metal portions 174_1 and 175_1 may have a shapeextending vertically along the thickness direction (third directionDR3), unlike the fourth and fifth metal portions 174 and 175 accordingto FIG. 2.

According to the display device 2 of an exemplary embodiment, since thethird metal portion 173_1 has a shape extending to the boundary betweenthe folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2, thedepression of the folding region FR of the display device 2 in thethickness direction may be reduced when the user applies pressure forfingerprint recognition to the surface of the window 400 located in thefolding region FR. Thus, deterioration of the appearance of the displaydevice 2 and deterioration of the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor500 may be reduced.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, a display device 3 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment in that the first and second metal portions 171 and172 adjacent to the third metal portion 173 are spaced apart from eachother.

For example, in the display device 3 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the first and second metal portions 171 and 172 adjacent tothe third metal portion 173 may be spaced apart from each other. Forexample, the fourth and fifth metal portions 174 and 175 described abovewith reference to FIG. 2 are omitted, and thus, the metal layer 170-2may have a plurality of portions spaced apart from each other.

Even in the display device 3 according to an exemplary embodiment, thesupport members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 arespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween, and thus, the display device 3 may be more easily foldedwith respect to the folding region FR. For example, the display device 3may have bending flexibility.

Further, in a comparative example, when a user's finger is in contactwith the surface of the window 400 and the fingerprint sensor 500 isoperated, the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may bedeteriorated due to the configuration between the fingerprint sensor 500and the user's finger. In contrast, in an exemplary embodiment, thesupport members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 arespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween, and thus, deterioration of the sensitivity of thefingerprint sensor 500 may be reduced due to the configuration betweenthe fingerprint sensor 500 and the user's finger.

As described above, when the support members 110 and 120 and the buffermembers 140 and 150 are spaced apart from each other with the foldingregion FR interposed therebetween, the folding region FR of the displaydevice 3 may be recessed in the thickness direction by applying thepressure for fingerprint recognition because the support members 110 and120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 are not disposed in the foldingregion FR as described above. Although the upper components disposed inthe folding region FR of the display device 3 may be returned to theiroriginal position when the application of pressure by the user iscompleted, if this operation is repeated, the upper components disposedin the folding region FR of the display device 3 may have a shapeindented in a downward direction even after the application of pressureby the user is completed. In this case, the appearance of the displaydevice 3 may be poor, and/or the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor500 may be deteriorated.

However, in the display device 3 according to an exemplary embodiment,since the metal layer 170_2 is disposed even in the folding region FR towhich the pressure for the user's fingerprint recognition is applied,the depression of the folding region FR of the display device 3 in thethickness direction may be reduced when the user applies pressure forfingerprint recognition to the surface of the window 400 located in thefolding region FR. Thus, deterioration of the appearance of the displaydevice 3 and deterioration of the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor500 may be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, a display device 4 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment in that the first and second metal portions 171 and172 adjacent to the third metal portion 173_2 are separated from eachother as shown in FIG. 8 and in that the third metal portion 173_2 has ashape extending to the boundary between the folding region FR and thenon-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 in the first direction DR1.

For example, in the display device 4 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the first and second metal portions 171 and 172 adjacent tothe third metal portion 173_2 may be separated from each other, and thethird metal portion 173_2 may have a shape extending to the boundarybetween the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2in the first direction DR1.

Since components and aspects have been described with reference to FIGS.7 and 8, a redundant description will be omitted below.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, a display device 5 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment in that the fingerprint sensor 500 is disposedbetween the metal layer 170_4 and the light blocking pattern 130.

For example, in the display device 5 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed between the metallayer 170_4 and the light blocking pattern 130.

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the fingerprint sensor 500may be attached onto the third metal portion 173_3 of the metal layer170_4. The fingerprint sensor 500 may be attached to the lower surfaceof the light blocking pattern 130 through an adhesive film. The adhesivefilm may be substantially the same material as the aforementioned firstadhesive film AM1.

Even in the display device 5 according to an exemplary embodiment, thesupport members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 arespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween, and thus, the display device 5 may be more easily foldedwith respect to the folding region FR. For example, the display device 5may have bending flexibility.

Further, in a comparative example, when a user's finger is in contactwith the surface of the window 400 and the fingerprint sensor 500 isoperated, the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may bedeteriorated due to the configuration between the fingerprint sensor 500and the user's finger. In contrast, in an exemplary embodiment, thesupport members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 arespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween, and thus, the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500may be prevented from being deteriorated by the configuration betweenthe fingerprint sensor 500 and the user's finger.

As described above, when the support members 110 and 120 and the buffermembers 140 and 150 are spaced apart from each other with the foldingregion FR interposed therebetween, the folding region FR of the displaydevice 5 may be recessed in the thickness direction by applying pressurefor fingerprint recognition because the support members 110 and 120 andthe buffer members 140 and 150 are not disposed in the folding region FRas described above. Although the upper components disposed in thefolding region FR of the display device 5 may be returned to theiroriginal position when the application of pressure by the user iscompleted, if this operation is repeated, the upper components disposedin the folding region FR of the display device 5 may have a shapeindented in a downward direction even after the application of pressureby the user is completed. In this case, the appearance of the displaydevice 5 may be poor, and/or the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor500 may be deteriorated.

However, in the display device 5 according to an exemplary embodiment,since the metal layer 170_4 is disposed even in the folding region FR towhich pressure for the user's fingerprint recognition is applied, andfor example, supports the fingerprint sensor 500 and the uppercomponents, the depression of the folding region FR of the displaydevice 5 in the thickness direction may be reduced when the user appliespressure for fingerprint recognition to the surface of the window 400located in the folding region FR. Thus, deterioration of the appearanceof the display device 5 and deterioration of the sensitivity of thefingerprint sensor 500 may be reduced.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, a display device 6 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 5 according to anexemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 in that the fourth metal portion 174_1and fifth metal portion 175_1 of the metal layer 170_5 are in contactwith the inner side surfaces of the buffer members 140 and 150,respectively, as shown in FIG. 7.

For example, in the display device 6 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed between the metallayer 170_5 and the light blocking pattern 130, and the fourth metalportion 174_1 and the fifth metal portion 175_1 may be in contact withthe inner side surfaces of the buffer members 140 and 150, respectively.

The third metal portion 173_3 may be substantially the same as the widthof the folding region FR in the first direction DR1. For example, thethird metal portion 173_3 may have a shape extending to a boundarybetween the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2in the first direction DR1.

Unlike the fourth and fifth metal portions 174 and 175 of FIG. 2, thefourth and fifth metal portions 174_1 and 175_1 may have a shapeextending vertically along the thickness direction (third directionDR3).

According to the display device 6 of an exemplary embodiment, since thethird metal portion 173_3 has a shape extending to the boundary betweenthe folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 in thefirst direction DR1, the depression of the folding region FR of thedisplay device 5 in the thickness direction may be reduced when the userapplies pressure for fingerprint recognition to the surface of thewindow 400 located in the folding region FR. Thus, deterioration of theappearance of the display device 5 and deterioration of the sensitivityof the fingerprint sensor 500 may be reduced.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, a display device 7 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 5 according to anexemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 in that the first and second metalportions 171 and 172 adjacent to the third metal portion 173_4 arespaced apart from each other.

For example, in the display device 7 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the first and second metal portions 171 and 172 adjacent tothe third metal portion 173_4 may be spaced apart from each other. Forexample, the fourth and fifth metal portions 174 and 175 described abovewith reference to FIG. 10 are omitted, and thus, the metal layer 170-6may have a plurality of portions spaced apart from each other.

Even in the display device 7 according to an exemplary embodiment, thesupport members 110 and 120 and the buffer members 140 and 150 arespaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposedtherebetween, and thus, the display device 7 may be more easily foldedwith respect to the folding region FR. For example, the display device 7may have bending flexibility.

Further, when a user's finger is in contact with the surface of thewindow 400 and the fingerprint sensor 500 is operated, the sensitivityof the fingerprint sensor 500 may be deteriorated due to theconfiguration between the fingerprint sensor 500 and the user's finger.In contrast, in an exemplary embodiment, the support members 110 and 120and the buffer members 140 and 150 are spaced apart from each other withthe folding region FR interposed therebetween, and thus, the sensitivityof the fingerprint sensor 500 may be prevented from being deteriorateddue to the configuration between the fingerprint sensor 500 and theuser's finger.

As described above, when the support members 110 and 120 and the buffermembers 140 and 150 are spaced apart from each other with the foldingregion FR interposed therebetween, the folding region FR of the displaydevice 7 may be recessed in the thickness direction by applying pressurefor fingerprint recognition because the support members 110 and 120 andthe buffer members 140 and 150 are not disposed in the folding region FRas described above. Although the upper components disposed in thefolding region FR of the display device 7 may be returned to theiroriginal position when the application of pressure by the user iscompleted, if this operation is repeated, the upper components disposedin the folding region FR of the display device 7 may have a shapeindented in a downward direction even after the application of pressureby the user is completed. In this case, the appearance of the displaydevice 7 may be poor, and/or the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor500 may be deteriorated.

However, in the display device 7 according to an exemplary embodiment,since the metal layer 170_6 is disposed even in the folding region FR towhich pressure for the user's fingerprint recognition is applied, thedepression of the folding region FR of the display device 7 in thethickness direction may be reduced when the user applies pressure forfingerprint recognition to the surface of the window 400 located in thefolding region FR. Thus, deterioration of the appearance of the displaydevice 7 and deterioration of the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor500 may be reduced.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, a display device 8 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 5 according to anexemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 in that the fourth and fifth metalportions are omitted as shown in FIG. 12, and in that the third metalportion 173_5 of the metal layer 170_7 has a shape extending to theboundary between the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1and NFR2 in the first direction DR1 as shown in FIG. 11.

For example, in the display device 8 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the first and second metal portions 171 and 172 adjacent tothe third metal portion 173_5 may be separated from each other, and thethird metal portion 173_5 may have a shape extending to the boundarybetween the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2in the first direction DR1. The first and second metal portions 171 and172 adjacent to the third metal portion 173_5 may be connected to eachother.

Since details thereof have been described with reference to FIGS. 10,11, and 12, a redundant description will be omitted below.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, a display device 9 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment in that the ninth adhesive film AM9 is omitted anda tenth adhesive film AM10 is disposed in a region in which the ninthadhesive film AM9 is disposed.

For example, the tenth adhesive film AM10 may be disposed in the foldingregion FR, and may be disposed between the metal layer 170 and the lightblocking pattern 130. The tenth adhesive film AM10 may be in contactwith the adjacent third and fourth adhesive films AM3 and AM4. However,the present invention is not limited thereto.

The tenth adhesive film AM10 may have higher strength than each of theadjacent third and fourth adhesive films AM3 and AM4. The tenth adhesivefilm AM10 may include the same material as the aforementioned first toeighth adhesive films AM1 to AM8, but may have higher strength through,for example, an ultraviolet curing process. Thus, the depression of thefolding region FR of the display device 9 in the thickness direction maybe reduced when the user applies pressure for fingerprint recognition tothe surface of the window 400 located in the folding region FR. Thus,deterioration of the appearance of the display device 9 anddeterioration of the sensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may bereduced.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, a display device 10 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 9 according to anexemplary embodiment of FIG. 14 in that the metal layer 170_1 accordingto FIG. 7 is applied.

Since other components and aspects relating to FIG. 15 have beendescribed above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 14, a redundantdescription will be omitted.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, a display device 11 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 9 according to anexemplary embodiment of FIG. 14 in that the metal layer 170_2 accordingto FIG. 8 is applied.

Since other components and aspects relating to FIG. 16 have beendescribed above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 14, a redundantdescription will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, a display device 12 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 9 according to anexemplary embodiment of FIG. 14 in that the metal layer 170_3 accordingto FIG. 9 is applied.

Since other components and aspects relating to FIG. 17 have beendescribed above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 14, a redundantdescription will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, a display device 13 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment in that the display device 13 includes an openingOP in the center of the light blocking pattern 130_1 of the foldingregion FR. The opening OP of the light blocking pattern 130_1 mayoverlap the third metal portion 173 and the fingerprint sensor 500 inthe thickness direction.

For example, in the display device 13 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the metal layer 170 may be further provided in the openingOP of the light blocking pattern 130_1. For example, the third metalportion 173 of the metal layer 170 may be disposed in the opening OP ofthe light blocking pattern 130_1. The third metal portion 173 may beattached to the bottom surface (or one surface) of the display panel 200through the ninth adhesive layer AM9. The outer side surfaces of thefourth and fifth metal parts 174 and 175 may be in contact with theadjacent light blocking pattern 130_1. However, the present invention isnot limited thereto.

According to the display device 13 of an exemplary embodiment, thesensitivity of the fingerprint sensor 500 may be further increased byremoving the light blocking pattern 130_1 from the region overlappingthe fingerprint sensor 500.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19, a display device 14 according to an exemplaryembodiment is different from the display device 1 according to anexemplary embodiment in that the third to fifth metal portions 173 to175 of the metal layer 170_8 are omitted, the lower surface of the lightblocking pattern 130 of the folding region FR is exposed, and the metalsheet 180 is disposed in a space between the support members 110 and 120and the buffer members 140 and 150.

For example, in the display device 14 according to an exemplaryembodiment, the third to fifth metal portions 173 to 175 of the metallayer 170_8 are omitted, the lower surface of the light blocking pattern130 of the folding region FR may be exposed, and the metal sheet 180 maybe disposed in a space between the support members 110 and 120 and thebuffer members 140 and 150.

The metal sheet 180 may include a first metal sheet portion 181 disposedin the first non-folding region NFR1, a second metal sheet portion 182disposed in the second non-folding region NFR2, a third metal sheetportion 183 disposed in the folding region FR, a fourth metal sheetportion 184 connecting the first metal sheet portion 181 and the thirdmetal sheet portion 183, and a fifth metal sheet portion 185 connectingthe second metal sheet portion 182 and the third metal sheet portion183.

The first metal sheet portion 181, the second metal sheet portion 182,and the third metal sheet portion 183 may have a linear shape along thefirst direction DR1. The fourth and fifth metal sheet portions 184 and185 may extend vertically along the thickness direction (third directionDR3) as shown in FIG. 19. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the fourth and fifthmetal sheet portions 184 and 185 may have the same shape as theaforementioned fourth and fifth metal portions 174 and 175,respectively.

The third metal sheet portion 183 may be attached to the light blockingpattern 130 through an eleventh adhesive film AM11, the first metalsheet portion 181 may be attached to the first metal portion 171 througha twelfth adhesive film AM12, and the second metal sheet portion 182 maybe attached to the second metal portion 172 through a thirteenthadhesive film AM13.

The eleventh to thirteenth adhesive films AM11 to AM13 may includesubstantially the same material as the aforementioned first adhesivefilm AM1.

The metal sheet 180 may include a metal material.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a displaydevice is provided in which deformation due to the pressure for pressinga fingerprint sensor in the folding region of the display device isimproved.

The effects of the exemplary embodiments are not limited by the abovedisclosure, and other various effects may be provided.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes inform and detail may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a display paneldisposed in a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, anda folding region, wherein the folding region is between the firstnon-folding region and the second non-folding region; a metal layerdisposed in the first non-folding region, the second non-folding region,and the folding region on one surface of the display panel; and afingerprint sensor disposed on the metal layer, the metal layercomprises a first metal portion located in the first non-folding region,a second metal portion located in the second non-folding region, and athird metal portion located in the folding region, the fingerprintsensor is attached to the third metal portion, and the third metalportion is located closer to the display panel as compared with thefirst metal portion and the second metal portion.
 2. The display deviceof claim 1, further comprising: a first buffer member disposed betweenthe display panel and the first metal portion in the first non-foldingregion; a second buffer member disposed between the display panel andthe second metal portion in the second non-folding region.
 3. Thedisplay device of claim 2, wherein the first buffer member and thesecond buffer member are separated from each other with the foldingregion therebetween.
 4. The display device of claim 3, furthercomprising: a first support member disposed on the one surface of thedisplay panel in the first non-folding region; and a second supportmember disposed on the one surface of the display panel in the secondnon-folding region, wherein the first support member is disposed betweenthe display panel and the first buffer member, and the second supportmember is disposed between the display panel and the second buffermember.
 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the first supportmember and the second support member are separated from each other withthe folding region therebetween.
 6. The display device of claim 5,further comprising: a light blocking pattern disposed between the thirdmetal portion and the display panel in the folding region, wherein thelight blocking pattern comprises an opaque material.
 7. The displaydevice of claim 6, wherein the metal layer further comprises a fourthmetal portion connecting the third metal portion and the first metalportion, and a fifth metal portion connecting the third metal portionand the second metal portion.
 8. The display device of claim 7, whereinthe fourth metal portion is in contact with the first buffer member, andthe fifth metal portion is in contact with the second buffer member. 9.The display device of claim 6, wherein the third metal portion extendsto a boundary between the folding region and the first non-foldingregion and a boundary between the folding region and the secondnon-folding region.
 10. The display device of claim 6, wherein thefingerprint sensor is spaced apart from the light blocking pattern withthe third metal portion therebetween.